Abeyaratne v. Janatha Fertilizer Enterprises Ltd. and Others – sllr 2003 volume 1 page 391

In the case between the petitioner (Finance Manager) and Ājanatha Fertilizer Enterprises Ltd. (the 1st respondent company), the court addressed whether the dismissal of the petitioner without a formal inquiry or the framing of charges violated natural justice and constitutional rights under Article 12(1). The petitioner’s termination followed unproven allegations of mismanagement, with no proper hearing or charge sheet issued. The court held that the absence of procedural fairness and the denial of an opportunity to be heard constituted a violation of natural justice, and that the petitioner’s constitutional rights were infringed. The principle established reiterates the inviolability of the audi alteram partem rule, confirming that even in cases of strong allegations, the right to be hear